PhD programmes
The Graduate School of Religious Studies provides a stimulating context for post-graduate research in the field of World Religions and Theology.
PhD at Leiden University
The PhD Degree is the highest degree awarded in the Netherlands. Ph.D. students carry out a programme of independent research and additional course work, culminating in production of a PhD thesis in typically four years.
The Religious Studies PhD programme is characterised by intensive interaction between PhD students, post-doctorates and members of the Faculty's Research Institute (LISOR). This enables students to engage in in-depth specialisations as well as wider interdisciplinary discussions and developments. For a detailed description of the PhD programmes, admission requirements and application please select one of the topics from the menu on the right.
PhD candidates in the Netherlands are usually not considered to be students who study within a framework of a well defined and structured PhD programme. Although this may change in the future, PhD students are still exempt from paying university tuition fees.
See a (partial) list of current PhD projects.
The Leiden University Graduate School of Religious Studies distinguishes between three categories of PhD candidates:
- Funded PhD candidates with an appointment at the Faculty, either financed by the University, or by NWO, or by any other grant awarded to a staff member of the Faculty or the Faculty as such.
- Non-funded candidates are those conducting their PhD research by other financial means, such as a personal grant, personal funds or through part time employment elsewhere. They profit from University and Faculty facilities and are bound to the 4-year trajectory (full time), and a 7-year trajectory (part-time).
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External PhD candidates are those who plan to defend their Ph.D. thesis at the Faculty of Religious Studies, but conduct their PhD research elsewhere. There are no time limits involved, and no University facilities available. External PhD candidates can legally have no teaching obligations and no Leiden University grants.
Programmes
The Religious Studies PhD programme is divided into two large groups, which consists of specialized tracks within specific areas.
Religion in Antiquity
The programme focuses on the study of religion in antiquity, using a variety of methodologies from the literary, philological, archaeological and historical domains. In most cases, PhD research is closely connected to the research interests of the staff in the research programme ‘Antiquity’ of LISOR, the Leiden Institute for the Study of Religions. Specific tracks include Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), its ancient versions in Greek and Syriac, the New Testament, the literature of early Judaism and early Christianity, the reception and exegesis of the Bible in the Eastern churches, and the history of Zoroastrianism.
Promotors and supervisors
Old Testament Studies: Prof. dr. A. van der Kooij
Old Testament Studies/Eastern Christian Exegesis: Prof.dr. R.B. ter Haar Romeny
New Testament Studies: Prof.dr. J.K. Zangenberg
Early Judaism: Dr. J. Magliano-Tromp
Zoroastrianism: Prof. dr. A.F. de Jong
Religion in the Modern World
The Religion in the Modern World programme focuses on the study of religion in the modern world, using a variety of methodologies from the fields of comparative religious studies, the social sciences, philosophy of religion, and history. In most cases, PhD research is closely connected to the research interests of the staff in the research programme Religion in the Modern World of LISOR, the Leiden Institute for the Study of Religions.
Promotors and supervisors
Philosophy of Religion: Prof. dr. W.B. Drees
Ethics: Dr. H.W. Sneller
History of Christianity: Prof. dr. E.G.E. van der Wall
Islam in the Modern World: Prof. P.S. van Koningsveld
Sociology of Religion: Prof. dr. M.B ter Borg
Judaism in the Modern World: Prof. dr. J. Frishman
Middle Eastern Christianity: Prof. dr. H.L. Murre-van den Berg
History of Reformed Protestantism: Prof. dr.G. van den Brink